MLB Trade Scenarios: Dream Scenarios for Each Contender at the Waiver Deadline

Regardless of what MLB contenders say publicly, they are all desperate to improve personnel via trade.

August 31 is their deadline to address weaknesses. Once this month expires, reinforcements can only be recalled from within the organization.

Negotiations between potential trade partners are often unsuccessful. That’s because selling teams might be uncomfortable fooling around within their own division or reluctant to forfeit controllable players.

Let’s put all that aside and explore dream scenarios for baseball’s most competitive clubs.

Sure, Josh Beckett is somewhat of a clubhouse cancer, but the third-place Arizona Diamondbacks need a starting pitcher who can miss bats. Though Beckett hasn't done much of that in 2012, switching back to the National League and opposing hitters with limited experience against him should lead to improvement.

A simple change of scenery can be therapeutic.

Shutting down Carl Crawford was a sign that the Boston Red Sox have thrown in the towel. To rid themselves of Beckett, they would surely absorb the majority of his remaining salary (about $35 million through 2014).

His stock has plummeted, so the D-Backs could acquire the right-hander without parting with a top pitching prospect.

At the July 31 non-waiver deadline, the Baltimore Orioles were reluctant to discuss 19-year-old phenom Dylan Bundy. He's been brilliant as a professional (8-3, 2.01 ERA, 0.89 WHIP), gifted with a repertoire that's nearly ready for the big leagues.

But in a potential deal for southpaw Cliff Lee, management might make an exception.

The O's starting rotation is already expecting to get a boost in early September when Jason Hammel returns from a knee injury. However, with eight American League squads competing for five postseason berths, this franchise needs every possible advantage.

Chicago White Sox: Jhan Marinez for Placido Polanco

Infielder Orlando Hudson (foot contusion) has landed on the disabled list. It's a negligible loss considering that the veteran was struggling in a tiny role.

Placido Polanco would contribute more due to his contact ability and defensive skills.

Though he wouldn't supplant Kevin Youkilis at third base immediately, Polanco is a terrific insurance policy. Also, his $5.5 mutual option for the 2013 season makes more sense than Youk's $13 million salary.

In the meantime, he could be used as an occasional fill-in for the tired-looking Gordon Beckham, or serve as designated hitter to spare Adam Dunn from elite left-handers.

Cincinnati Reds: Kyle Lotzkar, Devin Mesoraco for Carlos Ruiz

Despite an ugly performance from the Cincinnati Reds pitching staff on Monday night, the organization's focus ought to be on securing a productive catcher.

Devin Mesoraco is the weaker of the team's active backstops.

The preseason Rookie of the Year candidate hasn't made necessary offensive adjustments, yet his trade value at 24 years of age remains relatively high.

All-Star Carlos Ruiz (plantar fasciitis) isn't scheduled to rejoin a 25-man roster until several days after the waiver deadline. Meanwhile, the Reds would have to call upon Dioner Navarro to make several starts.

Arming themselves for a World Series run is worth that present-day sacrifice.

Vernon Wells sits atop L.A.’s least-wanted list. (My verb choice is inspired by the fact that Wells has started only nine games since Memorial Day.)

The Los Angeles Angels would be glad to absorb upwards of 90 percent of his bloated contract if it returns them an experienced arm. Pairing Wells with a projectable minor league hitter could spare them from including so much cash.

Mike Scioscia doesn’t have faith in his relief corps (4.03 bullpen ERA), though he shouldn’t have any reservations about using strike-thrower Chris Perez in high-leverage situations.

New York Yankees: Eduardo Nunez for Rafael Betancourt

Brian Garfinkel/Getty Images

This season the New York Yankees are competing without all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera (torn ACL). Rafael Soriano has performed admirably as interim closer and David Robertson is brilliant in the eighth inning, but other Yankees relievers haven’t shown consistency.

His masterful location (career 4.58 strikeout-to-walk ratio) prevents opposing hitters from getting good wood on his offerings. A mutual option in his contract could keep him in the Bronx through 2014.

Acquiring him and activating lefty Pedro Feliciano on September 1 would force Joba Chamberlain (9.45 ERA, 2.85 WHIP) to actually earn his spot on the postseason roster.

Oakland Athletics: A.J. Griffin, Michael Taylor for Chase Headley

The Oakland Athletics infield was bolstered with the acquisition of Stephen Drew on August 20.

Why stop there?

Brandon Inge is currently sidelined, and the A’s just demoted second-year second baseman Jemile Weeks.

The numbers that Chase Headley posts at Petco Park suggest he could be an RBI machine in a less challenging environment. He’s under team control for another two years after 2012, which means he won’t hog too much of Oakland’s limited payroll.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Jose Tabata, Jameson Taillon for Asdrubal Cabrera

Jason Miller/Getty Images

In hindsight, the Pittsburgh Pirates regret signing Jose Tabata to a long-term deal during the summer of 2011. Though they could contend in spite of him, the organizational preference is to dump him elsewhere.

Only in a dream, right?

One blue-collar city has already fallen in love with Asdrubal Cabrera—he could become very popular in the Steel City, too. The Cleveland Indians would agree to terms if given a lanky, fast-rising starter like Jameson Taillon.

Finally, the Bucs would be getting something from the shortstop position (.226/.261/.330 with 37 R since Opening Day).